A memorial service will be held on the lawn of Maryborough City Hall on Thursday 24 October 2024 to honour and remember those impacted by the Boondall bus crash 30 years ago, which claimed the lives of 12 Maryborough residents and injured 39 others.

The Boondall bus crash is considered one of Queensland’s worst road accidents.

Many of the passengers were members of Maryborough’s Civilian Widows Association, who were travelling to Brisbane for a shopping trip when the bus tragically rolled down an embankment near Boondall on Brisbane’s northside.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Boondall bus crash was etched into the collective memory of our local community.

“This memorial service is a solemn occasion to honour those we lost and remember the lives that were forever changed 30 years ago,” he said.

“This service is a way for us to all come together, reflect and support one another as we remember the victims, the survivors, the first responders and all those affected by this tragic event.”

The service will take place near the Boondall Bus Memorial Stone on the City Hall lawn, located on the Lennox Street side near the fountain.

Cr Seymour said the half-hour service was open to everyone and would begin promptly at 10 am, with a bell tolled 12 times at 10.10am to mark the time of the accident and pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

“The service will be presided over by Pastor Chris Foley and will include hymns sung by the combined choirs of St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary’s College,” he said.

“During the service, there will be an opportunity to lay wreaths or flowers in memory of loved ones, and after the service, everyone is welcome to stay and share memories inside City Hall.”

As the anniversary coincides with market day, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for parking.

Attendees are reminded to be sun safe as the event is outside. Limited seating is available for those unable to stand. In the event of bad weather, the service will be moved indoors at City Hall.

While RSVPs are not required, those planning to attend are welcome to register with Customer Service at 1300 79 49 29 to assist Council in estimating attendance.

Article and image supplied by Fraser Coast Regional Council